About Whittling

If you were to look up "whittling" in the dictionary, it would state, "To cut small bits or pare shavings from a piece of wood. To fashion or shape in this way; whittle a toy boat or other small objects." While this is the technical definition, it fails to mention the joy and relaxation whittling wood brings to many. There are endless benefits to whittling that are not mentioned, benefits you can only enjoy by picking up a knife and a piece of wood, creating anything your heart and imagination desires.

History

The art of whittling wood dates back as far as the cavemen. It is believed that the art of whittling in those pre-historic days is what sparked the imagination of humans, enabling them to make carts, weapons for hunting and cooking utensils.

Significance

While whittling wood seemingly led to further technological advances in society, it carries a personal meaning for those who have chosen it as a hobby. It is believed to be a meditative activity, placing the whittler and his wood in a place of contenment. It provides peace and a feeling of oneness with man and his environment.

Function

Whittling wood is more than a pastime for those who do it. It is a hobby they can use as a release for their creativity and imagination. Whittling requires no special work environment and can be done anywhere: your home, your car, the woods or anyplace you feel comfortable and at ease. Many whittle simply because they love to do it. All you need is a pocketknife and a piece of wood, which is why it is considered one of the least expensive hobbies to have.

Types

There are many different woods that can be used when whittling. The most favored is basswood or balsa wood. These are soft woods that are easy for carving yet strong enough to keep the details you have carved once you finish. Pine is also acceptable, as is ash. What it comes down to is the type of wood you feel most comfortable with.

Features

Whittling wood is a precise, detailed art form. Virtually anything at all can be whittled. Some like to whittle naturalistic pieces like birds, ducks and fish. Others prefer to make caricatures or bottle stoppers. Whatever is chosen, you will always be able to distinguish something whittled because its details are not refined, but coarse. The finished piece, no matter how many details, will always hold resemblance to the natural environment it came from.

Size

A whittled piece will hardly ever be large. The larger pieces are more a result of wood carving, which is quite different than whittling. A small piece of wood with the dimensions of 7/8 x 7/8 x 3 inches is the most common size of wood used. However, even a pine branch will work when you just want to shape something creatively.

Considerations

Some things to keep in mind before you begin whittling is that you want to choose wood that is single grain and of uniform color. The straight-grain wood is generally softer and easier to work with. The uniform color is necessary because wood with many colors will also mean it's a wood that changes in hardness, making your project difficult to accomplish. You also want to choose a knife that is comfortable in your hand. Some choose pocketknives or switchblades. It is best to avoid stainless steel knives because they are hard to sharpen and do not stay sharp for long periods.